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FO29 last pass from W9VNE
by Jim Danehy 16 Nov '08

16 Nov '08

Yes I was able to work UT1FG/MM on SSB in Grid Square GM28 and also worked WP4CNU in Grid Square FK78 . . . both had S9 signals and gave me the same report . . .I also heard some state side stations but did not record their call signs . . . FO 29 was alive and well in EM79tb 73 Jim W9VNE EM79tb

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FO-29
by WCP 16 Nov '08

16 Nov '08

Anybody hear FO-29 last pass ? (14:50 ) Nothing in EN71

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Some doppler observations/questions
by Mark Lunday, WD4ELG 16 Nov '08

16 Nov '08

I am using HRD with Sat tracker module (thanks, Simon!) I notice that for the non-FM birds I am working (AO7, FO29, VO52) the Doppler is never quite exact. Or I guess I should say there seems to be a constant *offset* that needs to be included in the Doppler calc. Tonight on AO7 mode B pass, my actual downlink frequency seemed to be about 4 kHz lower than what it should be according to the Doppler. As the bird passed by, I followed the "one true rule" and only adjusted the higher freq (uplink in this case). It was consistently about 4 kHz lower. On FO29 pass, there seemed to be about a 2 kHz offset. When the bird passed overhead, the Doppler "flipped" quickly and I had to find my signal again. How can I consistently determine this offset so I can include it in with the Doppler correction? Or is it on a case-by-case basis? PS Thanks, Frank, K9CIS, for the nice CW rag chew on FO29 tonight. Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg(a)arrl.net http://wd4elg.net

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AO 7 comments
by Jim Danehy 16 Nov '08

16 Nov '08

Mark (WD4ELG) Thanks for the comment on my CW signal . . . I prefer CW so I attempt to generate some activity on AO 7 whenever I can . . . hope to catch you on Sunday . . . RE : doppler . . . . my experience is that doppler is pretty dynamic rather than static . . . a lot of variables such as height, angle to your QTH that change from pass to pass . . . I use SatPC32 to control the doppler . . . i have made up a little chart for the non-FM birds and dial in the adjustment (to the uplink) before the pass . . . . I notice that on AO7 when I work Europe (a very low elevation for me) that I need to dial in a lot more adjustment (almost 2 khz) . . . . I use an Icom 910H and its RIT is limited to 1 khz which is a little bit of a pain . . . . i have the RIT on and like to be able to use it on stations that do not use computer control of their rigs . . . I do not think you can "nail" the frequency consistently . . . in my experience on the non-FM satellites it is just something you take into account . . . You ask about the activity level too . . . well all of the non-FM satellites suffer from relative lack of use compared to the FM satellites. Doppler is not as much of a factor because of the FM signal's width . . . . I use the AFC (automatic frequency control) on my 910 too in FM mode which really solves the (doppler) problem . . . I think the doppler effect on non FM signals is really too much for many of the users . . . that signal really moves around albeit in the same direction . . . use of a computer to control it reduces the number of successful users . . . I do hear people struggling (as I did) to get the doppler issue under control . . . I also think that there is a lot more FM rigs in use compared to the multi mode rigs . . . thus more relative activity . . in sorting through my collection of QSLs from satellite QSOs I find that there is a preponderance of HTs . . I do not use an HT even on the FM birds . . One more thing : AO 7 is really old ( 1974 ) and suffers from old age (very sensitive to the use of high power) I usually use 5 watts on CW . . . today I worked K9CIS who was using 7/10ths of a watt . . . we rag chewed for 10 minutes . . . anyone who uses excess power causes the transponder on AO 7 to sound choppy with the offending signal being heard up and down the band in 3 or 4 places, often making AO 7 unusable for many. . . I stick to CW and use the CW filter which helps me overcome the hash that is generated by stations using too much power . . . . folks really need to keep their ERP (effective radiated power) down to 100 watts or less on AO7. That means if you are using 25 watts output your antenna should not exceed 6 db gain (a factor of 4 times). Most satellite users on non FM birds use yagis that have 10 db + or more gain which means they should keep their power to 10 watts . . . unfortunately that remains a problem . . .more is less in that situation . . Look forward to exchanging reports with you . . . 73 Jim W9VNE EM79tb

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ao-50 first contact
by Eric Fort 16 Nov '08

16 Nov '08

Finally worked my first sat contact ever tonight on S0-50 toward the end of the 17:13-17:26 local pass from DM14gk to DM43. thanks to WD9EWK in DM43 for the contact. 73 DE AF6EP, ERIC AF6EP DM14GK PS: WD9EWK, PLEASE CONTACT FOR QSL INFO.

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AO-51 Images
by WCP 16 Nov '08

16 Nov '08

John where are they posted ?

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Re: ao-50 first contact
by John Marranca, Jr 16 Nov '08

16 Nov '08

Eric: I'm sure that I speak for everyone, when I/we say WELCOME to the Satellite community. You accomplished a great feat today. Now don't stop there...and don't stop learning how to advance your skill. And, don't be afraid to ask questions. Everyone on the BB is exceptionally friendly, and advice is ALWAYS accurate and timely. 73 de John KB2HSH KB2HSH.blogspot.com -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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Slow scan fun
by John Price 15 Nov '08

15 Nov '08

Thanks to all who posted images via AO-51 this evening. What a neat mode to have the opportunity to experiment with. Since the resent ISS SSTV effort there new interest I am sure. Sure hope the availability of this mode is continued in the future. Thanks to the command team for making it possible. 73's << John -- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS Internet N4QWF(a)AMSAT.ORG Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463 Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ Amsat Member #27845 DXCC #33,478 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 51 on AO-51 #13 LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il >From the Foothills of the Blueridge *Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"

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AO07 - where is everybody?
by Mark Lunday, WD4ELG 15 Nov '08

15 Nov '08

Saturday evening East Coast time, the bird is going right overhead. All I hear is W9VNE on CW (always reliable signal!), and two SSB signals. I call CQ for the entire 20 min of the pass with my 5 watts. I have two rigs so I CAN hear myself. Where is everybody? Would love to set up a CW sked for Sunday for the 2209 UTC pass (Eastern US/Atlantic) or the 0002 UTC pass (central US). Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg(a)arrl.net http://wd4elg.net

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operating protocol
by Jim Danehy 15 Nov '08

15 Nov '08

I hear folks just call : " CQ Oscar" during a pass without establishing a contact. Most FM satellites usually generate a lot of traffic during a pass. I would suggest that if you are new to operating the satellites, that you wait until you hear other stations before transmitting. If you are not hearing anyone during what could be called a peak time pass ( evenings during the week and any time on weekends) then you should refrain from calling CQs which last for ten minutes. You may think there is nobody on frequency. But there are often many stations using the satellite at the time you are CQing. An unanswered CQ just increases the volume of QRM. If you are operating duplex (hearing the satellite while you transmit) and you can hear your own signal then by all means call someone. Not operating duplex and calling CQ can mean that you are not listening to the downlink on its proper frequency (corrected for the doppler effect). I have attempted several times to email the operators of such stations and interact with them to correct their problem of not hearing. I am amazed at the answers I get from these operators. Often it becomes obvious why they are not hearing and why they are "alligators" ( all mouth no ears). I well realize that not everyone is set up to operate duplex. That just means you should first hear other stations before you call CQ for minutes on end. These FM satellites have a lot of traffic and are rarely without stations carrying on QSOs. Let me suggest that we all attempt to "Elmer" these new operators so that they can enjoy the satellites as we do. Many have emails listed on QRZ. COM. For others, they may find that the operator is a local in the same town or County. Thanks for reading and I hope we can help newcomers. 73 Jim W9VNE EM79tb

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John Papay K8YSE
by Robert Smith 15 Nov '08

15 Nov '08

Aloha John Re: Your Ops from Organ Pipe. I'd be happy to give it a try from Hawaii at 0313Z 11/17/08. AO-51 will be off the coast of Calif. and at 1 deg. el. off Oahu. Should be a piece of cake HIHI. Others interested might also give it a try. Let me know so I can find the highest volcano to sit on!! 73, robert, NH7WN Honolulu, Hawaii

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Re: Old AMSAT Satellite Report and ARRL Gateway newslettersonline
by Alan Sieg WB5RMG 15 Nov '08

15 Nov '08

Phil sed > With permission I am placing these pdf scans on my website. > . . . > I will add more of these as I find and scan them. Preserve the past! I just spent an hour reviewing the ASR collection from 1987 - Thanks Phil... Quite a trip down NOStalgia Lane, with the names, callsigns, and events. I have a bunch of these in a box somewhere, but this made it easy. Maybe I'll find some appropriate history to contribute in similar fashion. Great idea... Thanks again /;^) -- <- WB5RMG is Alan Sieg * http://wb5rmg.somenet.net ->

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DM31 Operation Organ Pipe National Monument, AZ
by John Papay 15 Nov '08

15 Nov '08

I am planning to operate from Organ Pipe National Monument, Arizona, DM31 beginning on November 17 with the evening passes of AO-51 and possibly SO-50. DM31 is on the Mexican border and most of the grid is in Mexico. We will probably leave that grid on Wednesday morning, November 19th, after the morning passes. If you need the card, please send an SASE. This is a fairly rare grid. Next stop will be in Sierra Vista, AZ, DM41 with a possible operation from DM51 and/or DM52 sometime during the next few days. For those of you who worked me from Clinton, OK, EM05 on October 31st, cards have been printed and will be sent out during the next week or so. No SASE needed. There are 14 stations in the log. This was a spur of the moment stop with the operation taking place on old US Route 66, just outside the entrance to the White Dog Ranch as the sun came up. If you sent an SASE for this contact, don't send a card for the DM31 operation. I'll just return a DM31 and/or DM51/52 card in the envelope when we return home. Hope to work everyone who needs DM31. 73, John K8YSE John Papay john(a)papays.com

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Manual or help
by k3szh＠netzero.net 15 Nov '08

15 Nov '08

Have a AEA ST-1 Satellite Tracker, Can someone help on the cable hook up on the back of the unit. Parallel out, Parallel in, Transceiver, Serial out, serial in, yaesu G-5400b/G-5600B is self explanatory, Cables are with the unit but nothing makes sense to me hi hi. Software is included. Or is this unit to old to mess with ?. 73 Joe Amsat 3788 ____________________________________________________________ Want to be an interior designer? Click here to get info about top interior design schools. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/PnY6ryAdMfBBUN8ZXCMjYE4RHHRF…

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Re: Received Pix from AO-51??
by Allen Vinegar 15 Nov '08

15 Nov '08

Here are the pictures I received on that pass: http://www.avinegar.home.insightbb.com/Hist11.jpg http://www.avinegar.home.insightbb.com/Hist12.jpg http://www.avinegar.home.insightbb.com/Hist13.jpg http://www.avinegar.home.insightbb.com/Hist14.jpg http://www.avinegar.home.insightbb.com/Hist16.jpg http://www.avinegar.home.insightbb.com/Hist17.jpg http://www.avinegar.home.insightbb.com/Hist18.jpg http://www.avinegar.home.insightbb.com/Hist19.jpg Keep them coming!! 73 Al W8KHP

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Re: nothing heard on SSTV AO-51
by John Marranca, Jr 15 Nov '08

15 Nov '08

John, et al: I had that same issue the other day. One PC said that the ISS was directly overhead...the other said it wasn't. I found out that it wasn't AFTER checking with ARISS.NET and seeing Australian stations hitting the APRS transponder. Old age does happen. And I'm 36! John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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never mind the question
by John Price 15 Nov '08

15 Nov '08

You would think that after 16 years of fooling with satellite I would know the first thing to check is the tracking program time setting. Guess old age is catching up. Sorry for the trouble. 73's << John -- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS Internet N4QWF(a)AMSAT.ORG Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463 Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ Amsat Member #27845 DXCC #33,478 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 51 on AO-51 #13 LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il >From the Foothills of the Blueridge *Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"

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nothing heard on SSTV AO-51
by John Price 15 Nov '08

15 Nov '08

I have been trying the SSTV on AO-51. Sure have not had any success. I have not heard anyone else or myself. Is anyone else having any success? I have checked everything possible here and all seems fine. I can send and receive images to myself so I know it works. Can anyone verify there operation is working? thanks << John -- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS Internet N4QWF(a)AMSAT.ORG Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463 Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ Amsat Member #27845 DXCC #33,478 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 51 on AO-51 #13 LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il >From the Foothills of the Blueridge *Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"

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SendThisFile File Notification
by files＠sendthisfile.com 15 Nov '08

15 Nov '08

SendThisFile File Notification n4csitwo(a)bellsouth.net has sent you a file that will EXPIRE in 3 DAYS. photo of STS-126 launch from roof of my home in East Orlando about 45 miles west of the pad. Dave, AA4KN Click the following link(s) to retrieve your file(s): File 1: STS-126 photo 4.JPG http://www2.sendthisfile.com/d?t=MGJPnyVeXhnum7I0J9NeGnT6 If the above link is not clickable, copy and paste the link into a browser to download your file. ----- Free Accounts at SendThisFile: Easily send large files to anyone in minutes. http://www.SendThisFile.com/e ----- Notice: By downloading this file you are agreeing to the Terms of Service which can be viewed from the www.SendThisFile.com home page. Copyright 2003-2008 - SendThisFile, Inc.

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ao-51 v/s qrv
by Robert Coppock 15 Nov '08

15 Nov '08

HI ,,,, ,, PACIFIC OCEAN PASS AT 0250 UTC WORKED FINE FOR V/S MODE, BUT NOBODY WAS HOME.......cq cq cq its been said b4, those k5gna d/c are great, best 'bang for the buck' THANKS, AND THANKS FOR THE FUN MACHINES. KEEP ON SPACE TRUCKIN' 73, ROBERT k-f-0-g cm97

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QSL.net?
by n3tl＠bellsouth.net 15 Nov '08

15 Nov '08

Hey everyone, I'm wondering whether anyone who uses the BB has had recent contact with anyone at the QSL.net Web site. I would like to take advantage of their Web page setup, but haven't been able to get anyone to respond to me via email. Any direction will be really helpful. Thanks, and 73, Tim - N3TL AMSAT Member No. 36820 Athens, Ga. - EM84ha

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ao-51 sstv or v/s mode now ??
by Robert Coppock 14 Nov '08

14 Nov '08

HI ,,,, ,, i just heard nothing on ao51 2401.2 downliink, the 0113 utc pass going thru the middle of the usa. is the bird in sstv mode ? or v/s mode or off ??? i hope my k5gna d/c didnt go bad ! thank you to all, 73, Robert k-f-0-g cm97

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Received Pix from AO-51??
by John Marranca, Jr 14 Nov '08

14 Nov '08

Good Evening, everyone. Is there anyone that has saved and possibly posted any received images from the 2330z pass of AO-51? I am curious to see how I did...it was close to a 90 degree pass for me...VERY loud signals, indeed. Thanks! John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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need keps for ao-0
by Eric Fort 14 Nov '08

14 Nov '08

Where can I get keps for the moon (ao-0) and keep them updated? how much do they change over time? Eric AF6EP

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CO-56 not quite dead yet.
by David Giles 14 Nov '08

14 Nov '08

Hello All, Managed to hear CO-56 yesterday. Signal was weaker than before and 6kHz below where my software said it should be. 73 de David VK5DG

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NOVA help
by ANTHONY JAPHA 14 Nov '08

14 Nov '08

I love my NOVA, but for the life of me cannot figure out how to get the doppler screen to work. No matter what I put in, it's garbage out. I'm sure many of you have used it correctly. Any hints would be appreciated. Tnx and 73, Tony, N2UN

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Fort Wayne Hamfest
by Doug Kuitula 14 Nov '08

14 Nov '08

Hi all, For those going to the Fort Wayne, Indiana Hamfest this weekend, the AMSAT forum is on Saturday at 1pm. There are also a couple of forums on Sunday that might be of interest. One is "Amateur Radio and Radio Astronomy" and the other involves APRS. Both of these are at 10 am. 73 de Doug KA8QCU

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IARU Region 1 - Cavtat 08
by Trevor 14 Nov '08

14 Nov '08

The IARU Region 1 Conference in Cavtat starts this weekend, see http://www.southgatearc.org/news/november2008/iaru_r1_cavtat.htm There are a number of Satellite related papers being discussed in C5 VHF/UHF/uW: 144 MHz increased satellite service 3400 MHz amateur satellite allocation Microwave spectrum requirements A new vision for 23 cm Amateur satellites handbook chapter Microwave spectrum requirements VHF spectrum requirements An REF response to the C5 VHF/UHF/uW papers can be seen at http://thf.ref-union.org/c5_iaru_r1/08cavtat/08cavtat_c5_etat_commentaires.… 73 Trevor M5AKA --------------- Daily Amateur Radio RSS News: http://www.southgatearc.org/ Email your news items to: editor at southgatearc.org News On Your Website: http://www.southgatearc.org/rss/index.htm News On Your PC: http://www.southgatearc.org/rss/newsreader.htm Upload Your News: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/your_news.htm ---------------

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ao-51 mode L/S
by Eric Fort 14 Nov '08

14 Nov '08

Are those who are working AO-51 mode L/S mostly using rotors and tracking software? What are you using to keep the antennas pointed for mode L/S and what are you using for antennas? Eric

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ARR preamp sold
by John Price 13 Nov '08

13 Nov '08

The preamp has been sold and will shipped tomorrow morning. Thanks to all those that responded. 73's << John -- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS Internet N4QWF(a)AMSAT.ORG Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463 Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ Amsat Member #27845 DXCC #33,478 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 51 on AO-51 #13 LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il >From the Foothills of the Blueridge *Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"

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Re: Notebooks, add
by Clint Bradford 13 Nov '08

13 Nov '08

Besy Buy will be selling on Black Friday what appears to be a deal: Toshiba AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core Notebook Computer w/3GB Memory / 160GB Hard Drive for $379.99. Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666 -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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Re: Bargain Laptops
by Clint Bradford 13 Nov '08

13 Nov '08

>...XYZ unit others have mentioned, and a few others I didn't know were on the market... It is ESPECIALLY important to purchase laptops from reputable, reliable manufacturers. There's so many variables in the off-brand units...from weird memory being used to strangeness with the hard drives to un-replaceable screens and non-standard video standards and limited-to-no parts availability... Just know what you need from a laptop, and realize that you generally get what you pay for. I maintain a couple old IBM ThinkPad 760ED models. Parts are available all over the place. Add they run all my Kenwood and Motorola commercial programming software, as well as all my amateur programming software titles. Under $300 at better used laptop stores on the Web. Serves my needs well. Nothing replaces my 17" MacBook Pro, though...(grin). Clint, K6LCS 909-241-7666 -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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Looking for some guidance on controlling cheap Radio Shack rotator
by Mark Lunday, WD4ELG 13 Nov '08

13 Nov '08

Bought a $55 special TV rotator from my local Radio Shack, and I would like to use something to control Azimuth (Elevation is obviously fixed, I have it at 30 degrees which seems OK for my use). It has three screw posts (probably +/- DC voltage and ground for motor control?) I have an older PC with a parallel port (serial port is used to control the rig). What pre-existing interfaces between parallel port and the screw posts of the rotator are available? I don't have the time to build my own kit, and would rather buy off-the-shelf solution. Thanks. Mark Lunday WD4ELG wd4elg(a)arrl.net http://wd4elg.net

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ARR SP432VDG preamp w/choke FS
by John Price 13 Nov '08

13 Nov '08

I have this preamp forsale. It is still in the orginal sealed plastic bag it came in. It has never been used. Here is the ARR webpage that describes this preamp. http://www.advancedreceiver.com/page7.html The ferquency range is from 420-450mhz. It is choke protected for RF pass thur up to 25 watts. I have the orginal paper work that came with it. It sells new for around $124.95 with the added choke so I will take $85.00 shipped to your door in the USA for it. Over seas shipping I will have to ask buyer to pay. Paypal excepted. Thanks << John -- N4QWF Amateur Radio Operator AO-7,AO-27,SO-50,AO-51,VO-52,ISS Internet N4QWF(a)AMSAT.ORG Echolink nodes #110903 -L #388463 Formerly KC4AHW VK3FEZ Amsat Member #27845 DXCC #33,478 VUCC SAT #135 WAS SAT #296 51 on AO-51 #13 LON -79.256 LAT 37.459 Grid FM07il >From the Foothills of the Blueridge *Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW, What a ride!"

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Satellite tracker for Symbian OS
by Xavi EB3CZS 13 Nov '08

13 Nov '08

Does anyone know if there is a satellite tracking program that can run on Symbian OS? (Google hasn't helped me this time) It would be nice to have it running always on my phone. -- 73 de Xavi EB3CZS

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GO-32 Tonight
by Mark Ku7z 13 Nov '08

13 Nov '08

Looks like GO-32 is being re-loaded. Was only getting Headers on the last pass. Could be up again in a day or two. 73, Mark, Ku7z

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"Notebook size computer"
by P. Thomas Gabel 13 Nov '08

13 Nov '08

Info PC World Magazine Dec. 08 Page 54 Did a review of 5 Mini-Notebooks. 73 N9RPQ

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New Life For Old Digital Clocks
by Howard Kowall 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

This Does Not Pertain to Satellite But This Maybe Be Useful for all radio operators I had a couple of extra digital clocks at home and I needed two or the ham shack (Local,UTC) I wanted both clocks in 24hr mode,so I Googled the clock IC used in the digital clock,and found most of the using a very general purpose clock IC and all capable of doing 24hrs format buy a small modification,usually this mod is just a matter of shorting a couple of pins on the IC My IC was a LM8560 so all I had to do was jump pins 15 to 28 to make the clock work in 24hr mode works great,now all I have to do is glance at the clocks and with an instance of have both times .I know its an easy conversion to do in you head but this makes it much more convenient and its a way of using some of the old stuff around the house and utilizing it rather then throwing it away or even better having to buy two clocks for the ham shack Just my contribution to the group Howard VE4ISP

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Re: Notebook Computers
by Clint Bradford 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

>http://www.walmart.com... Just FYI... "ACER" is a Chinese term, meaning "watch out for compatibility problems with the rest of the world." Research these cheap laptops carefully - you will find horror stories from folks with Acer machines that aren't really trying to do anything extraordinarily out of line. And, of course, "Wal-Mart" is another foreign term, roughly translated: "We'll sell America anything, 'cause they love this Chinese crap..." Just my opinion. I may be wrong. Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666 -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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Manual help
by k3szh＠netzero.net 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

Was given a AEA ST-1 Satellite tracker and a amp Teletec DXP-U150. Are they to old to worry about, or just keep stacking antennas. Thanks in advance, Reply off line. Joe K3SZH Amsat 3788 since 1976 _____________________________________________________________ Click here to find experienced pros to help with your home improvement project. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4uDF5TlyhM8MkffgMcmgX2…

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iPhone APP for Sat Tracking
by Michael J. Wolthuis 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

While we are on the subject, is there a specific APP for the iPhone for Sat Tracking? What are people using? Mike kb8zgl

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Re: iPhone APP for Sat Tracking
by Robert Morales 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

Count me in for alpha/beta testing as well. 73s de Bob, WP4BQV. Grid: FM18gv On Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 7:38 PM, Paul Williamson <kb5mu(a)amsat.org> wrote: > >While we are on the subject, is there a specific APP for the iPhone for > Sat > >Tracking? > > I'm building one. I'll be ready for a few alpha testers before much longer, > I hope. > > So far the only ham radio applications I've seen for the iPhone are a > callbook lookup and a grid square converter, plus perhaps a few Morse code > programs. > > 73 -Paul > kb5mu(a)amsat.org > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > -- R. L. Morales, WP4BQV wp4bqv(a)gmail.com http://journals.aol.com/wp4bqv/RadioIntercepts/ Echolink node# 165727 APRS mobile: WP4BQV-7 "Eschew Obfuscation"

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Re: iPhone APP for Sat Tracking
by Michael Petz 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

I would rather that we stick to promoting communication via Amateur Radio, not reasons why we don't need it. Sending position packets through terrestrial and satellites links would be more suited for this group, instead of bypassing the ham radio equipment and using the commercial cellular equipment as an alternative. What would you do when a true emergency arises and everyone whips out their iphones? Uh Oh - the cellular network it down or is suffering from a major overload. Let's try to make of transmission methods within amateur radio more robust so we don't have to rely on the commercial telecommunication giants, and we can provide communication when the going gets tough. Isn’t that the reason we tell everyone we need this precious spectrum? Just my $.02 worth Michael KA9HNT ---- Bruce Robertson <ve9qrp(a)gmail.com> wrote: > I wouldn't, with > > On Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 1:40 PM, Tim Tapio <tim(a)timtapio.com> wrote: > > I'm not sure I want everybody to know where I am at every given hour of the > > day....I'm reading 1984 again...sounds too much like big brother is > > watching... > > > > IMHO > > > > Tim T. K4SHF > > > > > > Tim: > > Like you, I would set as a design requirement that the app be able to > be turned off :-) > > > > With all that happening on the iPhone, the actual Amateur Radio part seems a > > bit redundant. > > I would prefer to see it as integrated with other services, and > therefore more useful. Besides, the iPhone app would not currently be > practical for many common uses of APRS. If you really want vehicle > tracking, for instance, you're not going to buy a phone and put it in > the car. But for occasional use an iPhone tracker would be excellent, > and increase the general utility of APRS, including that which is > available through satellites. > > Perhaps others had already noted this, but for java-based phones with > the 'JSR 179' API for GPS, there is this application: > http://www.aprs-is.net/javAPRSME.htm It seems my family might go to a > Samsung Instinct; I think this would fit our APRS bill. > > 73, Bruce > VE9QRP > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Re: "Notebook size computer"
by John Marranca, Jr 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

Hello everyone. That Acer is a beautiful machine. I like the size of the micro laptops. If a less expensive micro is desired, though, people shouldn't overlook the older SONY VAIO PCG-505F series. I have one, and it is pretty capable. It runs Windows ME (I actually like ME), and has a USB port on it. I have used a 4-Port USB adapter to run 2 USB-to-serial cables, and it works quite well. And you can get them on eBay for as little as $100. Even though it has an older OS on it, its size and performance are adequate for what I ask it to do. (Sometimes, the LATEST OS just isn't necessary when all you need the PC to be is literally perform as a man/machine interface) Food for thought. John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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"Notebook size computer"
by Tim Tapio 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10575196 Patrick turned me on to this (WD9EWK) XP machine, planning on using it for the computer control of radios and rotors. 73 de Tim, K4SHF

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SSTV 1332Z Nov-12-2008
by Luc Leblanc 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

One pictures on ao-51 pass Nov-12-2008 1332Z ao-51 pass Nov-12-2008 and one pics identified see it on www.qsl.net/ve2dwe "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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Re: "Notebook size computer"
by GW1FKY＠aol.com 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

Hi, A similar note book computer manufactured by HCL ( India) and using Windows XP has been on sale in the UK for the past few months. It retails at £169.00. I have used it for tracking and presentations with a projector or external display. But it has been most useful at many locations with an Arrow antenna and HT radio for satellite work. Also ideal for travelling whether it be by air, sea or land as it can be a useful of way of storing information and photo's to demonstrate etc. It does have hard drive but not a CD device, but that it not a problem as I also use memory sticks which are so cheap these days. Ken Eaton GW1FKY Amsat -UK Amsat NA

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AO-51 SSTV NOV 11
by Luc Leblanc 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

HI I put on my web page www.qsl.net/ve2dwe the following SSTV pictures received on Nov 11 on the 2349 pass. I am able to received my own downlink picture and i am looking to ID one picture with a face. KB1PVT VA3VQA VA7YW YV5MM A FACE??? Who is he? P.S. Still don't get any info's on the very weak carrier exactly at the same downlink frequency who is always on between the SSTV transmission? "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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KA9Q Scans
by Jeff Davis 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

Phil, Have spent the last several hours reveling in the old newsletters. My but they were good times! Thanks for your efforts and looking forward to spelunking through the old files for quite a while to come. Thanks much for your efforts and for sharing. 73, -- Jeff, KE9V

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Eastern USA AO-51 captures
by Ben Jackson 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

In case anyone was interested, I posted the SSTV images I captures on AO-51 this evening from my QTH in FN41. http://www.innismir.net/article/155 ~Ben -- Ben Jackson - N1WBV - New Bedford, MA bbj <at> innismir.net - http://www.innismir.net/

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COMPASS-1 support at the West Coast
by Mike Rupprecht 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

Dear all, we are looking for someone to assist us in commanding of our cubesat COMPASS-1 at the West Coast. If someone (or more) is interested in, please contact me. Thanks! 73, on behalf of the COMPASS team, Mike DK3WN

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AMSAT Awards
by Bruce 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

Several of the certificates have not been sent out yet. I have to await new ones signed by our new president. They will go out as soon as I get them back. We would like to welcome the following to the satellite community. They have made their first satellite contact and are now members of the AMSAT Satellite Communicators Club. Boris Lanca, 9A2GA Douglas Anoman, KC9MLN Steve Rish, K8SAR The following have earned the AMSAT Satellite Communications Achievement Award. Jose Manuel Escribano Hinojosa #475 The following have earned the AMSAT South Africa Satellite Communications Achievement Award. Jose Manuel Escribano Hinojosa #US127 To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org or http://www.amsatnet.com Bruce Paige, KK5DO AMSAT Director Contests and Awards ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0200z on SkyScanner Satellite Radio Network on Galaxy-25 @97° West, Transponder 23 (12115 Vert), Symbol Rate: 22425, APID: 1794 (DVB Free To Air) Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com Podcast at http://www.amsatnet.com/podcast.xml or iTunes Latest satellite news on the ARRL Audio News http://www.arrl.org

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Re: AO-51 Visual Sighting
by Clint Bradford 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

>After much checking, I believe what was actually seen >was an upper stage of Soyuz booster that launched >COSMOS 1184 on June 4, 1980. Geeze...you engineering/techie guys sure know how to take romanticism out of amateur radio... (grin) I'll plug both sets of keps in and see how they look. Of course, the original claim is still "out there," pardon the pun: Astronomers and NASA says that we CAN see - under ideal conditions - some sats as they pass overhead. I just need those beautiful weather conditions and sunset and pass data to all align themselves to try again. THANK YOU for this "Soyuz booster" info though...fascinating stuff... Clint, K6LCS 909-241-7666 -------------------------------------- Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell

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sighting AO 51
by Jim Danehy 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

Congrats to Armando, N8IGJ for his astronomical accomplishment. . . . please see his post . . . . it takes a great deal of patience to duplicate his accomplishment . . .I like the marriage of two hobbies . . . . I probably have as many telescopes as I do radios (XYL says too many) . . . a good pair of binoculars is probably the best instrument for someone who is not an accomplished stargazer . . . The ISS is routinely about a magnitude +1 and is a great sight . . . . the Iridium flares are also something I entertain my neighbors with . . . . google : heavens-above for a good site . . . . thanks Armando and great seeing to you . . . . Yes there is a lot of stuff up there . . . more than most people realize . . . . astronomy and satellites : a great combination Jim W9VNE

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Re: iPhone APP for Sat Tracking
by Josh Smith 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

Paul, You can definitely throw my hat in the ring for an alpha tester when the time comes. Thanks, Josh Smith KD8HRX email/jabber: juicewvu(a)gmail.com phone: 304.237.9369(c) () ascii ribbon campaign - against html e-mail /\ www.asciiribbon.org - against proprietary attachments On Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 7:38 PM, Paul Williamson <kb5mu(a)amsat.org> wrote: >>While we are on the subject, is there a specific APP for the iPhone for Sat >>Tracking? > > I'm building one. I'll be ready for a few alpha testers before much longer, I hope. > > So far the only ham radio applications I've seen for the iPhone are a callbook lookup and a grid square converter, plus perhaps a few Morse code programs. > > 73 -Paul > kb5mu(a)amsat.org > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >

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How to be a jackass, in one easy lesson!
by Mark VandeWettering 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

It's really easy. All you have to do is say something like this: > If the COMPASS team is looking for someone (or more) radioamateurs > all around the world in assisting with command and telemetry using our > amateur ground stations built using our amateur money in my opinion the > COMPASS-1 scientific organization should donate contributions to AMSAT > in order to buid our communication satellites. You, Domenico, are a jackass. An embarrassment. A black eye to the greater ham community, and the spirit of exploration, learning and cooperation that is required by our activity. If you can't help, or don't want to help, that's perfectly fine. You can stew in your own bile as much as you like. Some of us (indeed I suspect most of us) aren't so mean spirited as you, and would find it a great pleasure to donate our efforts to help our kindred spirits in their orbital endeavors without extracting the pound of pecuniary flesh that you seem to require. Sadly, my own station is probably of limited utility to DK3WN and the COMPASS-1 team. Here's hoping that someone with the right technical expertise and more importantly, the proper amateur spirit to step up and provide help for the COMPASS-1 team. Mark VandeWettering KF6KYI

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SSTV Fun on AO-51
by Michael J. Wolthuis 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

What a bunch of fun balancing my arrow antenna, thd7a(g) and VC-H1 all while monitoring AO-51 for SSTV! I struggled at the beginning pushing the RX button on the VC-H1 when the Robot36 started, but got the hang of it about half way through. Good copy of pic from VE3VBA CQ SSTV via AO51. This appears to be the call of the Canadian Coast Guard! Very cool shot and turned out perfect with text and all on the VC-H1 screen. Then I sent a pic of myself, I know... it was all I had in the VC-H1, not even sure I TXed the radio correctly. Then copied CQ AO51 de VA??? unable to read this one well. Then copied an AWESOME pic of some VW vehicles from VA7VW. I can make out the Canadian flag on the pic, the call and the vehicles, but not the text. Is there such a thing as a QSL card for SSTV or no such thing because it is one way comms? This was a great first SSTV experience. Now to get a real picture on the VC-H1 for next pass. Thanks to all who make this possible! It is a TON of fun! See you all in 1:20mins here in Michigan for the low 12deg pass and again tomorrow. If you copied my pic, please let me know! Mike kb8zgl

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SSTV on AO-51
by Luc Leblanc 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

On the 2249 UTC 74 deg elevation pass i try one SSTV transmission but only hear a very weak audio on the downlink on a S9 plus 30 carrier. There is a problem with the audio level setting probably? I also hear someone speaking with a child it look like a telephone conversation a bit off the uplink frequency. A couple of also weak SSTV tone where transmitted but to weak to be decoded "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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Kenwood PG-4V Cable
by Allen Vinegar 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

Does anyone have a wiring diagram for the PG-4V cable that connects between a VC-H1 and TH-D7AG? Thank you. 73 Al W8KHP

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AO-7 observation
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

Hello all >From my QTH CN87wk (near Seattle Wa.), once in awhile I have a good link into N. Europe. The only one available is Mika OH8MBN. Check your tracking computer, I'm sure there are other gents over there willing to try to stretch the footprint. Another observation- I noticed there is a significant difference in downlink signal strength between 145.950 and 145.958. Where .958 is stronger. Just curious, why? Also can we use 145.958 +/- a little for designated DX (footprint stretching). I have tried to push this before, with no bites. With time short, a designated frequency would eliminate one variable. See you on AO-7! -- 73 Bob W7LRD AMSAT member 28498 Seattle

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Re: COMPASS-1 support at the West Coast (i8cvs)
by Bob DeVarney W1ICW 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

I think Domenico's comments show poor Amateur Spirit. But each are entitled to their own opinion. As for myself, I have been very glad and proud to provide support to the Compass-1 project by collecting telemetry and helping with command of the spacecraft. I know Mike must have devoted countless volunteer hours in his support to this project; I know he has emailed me for specific requests at what must be some very long hours in EU. I wonder if the same can be said for.... well, I'll leave it there. I will continue to support Compass-1, and any other satellite, Amateur or otherwise, whose staff have the courage to ask for my help. 73 de Bob W1ICW AMSAT Life Member 2149 ARRL Life Member

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AO-51 Sighting...Possible Explaination
by Armando Mercado 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

Hello All, Last week, there was a flurry of postings about sighting AO-51. The initial report was from Riverside, CA, USA, 34.0 N 117.4 W, Elevation 250 meters. After much checking, I believe what was actually seen was an upper stage of Soyuz booster that launched COSMOS 1184 on June 4, 1980. In the original post, the observer reported the object "directly overhead" at 6:10pm PST (0210 UTC 06 November 2008). The SL-3 rocket body was 80 degs high at 6:10:39pm PST. AO-51 on the other hand was 83 degs high a minute and a half later at 6:12pm PST, so the timing is a better fit for the SL-3 R/B. The SL-3 R/B is about 12 ft. long and 8 ft. in diameter. It orbits about 140 miles lower than AO-51. In the summer of 2006, I made a visual sighting of AO-7 using a 70mm "goto" telescope at 25 powers of magnification It took many tries, but finally on a near perfect 88 deg pass I spotted it. It was about 7th magnitude at is brightest and very tiny. Since then I have made a couple of serious attempts to spot AO-51 using 11x80 binoculars, and a 70mm telescope and have not succeeded. My next attempt will be with my 8 inch telescope, but not until the weather gets warmer. >From my personal experience, I do not think AO-51 would be visible to a casual observer. One must also keep in mind AO-51 is in a polar sun synchronous orbit. This is a very popular orbit for satellites to be launched into and consequently there is a lot of stuff up there. It's kind of like watching US-101 during the rush hour and expecting to see a white car at 4:30 PM. You'll see one. Enter the lat/long for Riverside, CA, ( 34.0 N 117.4 W, Elevation 250 meters), plug in the follow keps, set your clock to 0200UTC, 06 NOV 2008, and see what you think.... SL-3 R/B 1 11822U 80044B 08311.47990140 .00000945 00000-0 44143-4 0 1751 2 11822 081.2402 315.5175 0023019 261.6853 098.1731 15.18617526552470 AMSAT ECHO 1 28375U 04025K 08311.64072703 .00000014 00000-0 16651-4 0 2382 2 28375 098.0621 328.1455 0085038 080.2834 280.7950 14.40623296228910 73, Armando, N8IGJ

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Re: COMPASS-1 support at the West Coast
by Mike Rupprecht 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

Domenico, ...never-ceasing. I am very glad (and proud) that I have learned a different kind of ham-spirit, even in the last months. 73, Mike DK3WN PS: I will not paid for my work... -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht----- Von: i8cvs [mailto:[email protected]] Gesendet: Dienstag, 11. November 2008 16:29 An: Mike Rupprecht; 'amsat-bb' Betreff: Re: [amsat-bb] COMPASS-1 support at the West Coast ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Rupprecht" <mail(a)mike-rupprecht.de> To: "'amsat-bb'" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 7:33 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] COMPASS-1 support at the West Coast > Dear all, > > we are looking for someone to assist us in commanding of our cubesat > COMPASS-1 at the West Coast. > > If someone (or more) is interested in, please contact me. Thanks! > > > 73, on behalf of the COMPASS team, > > Mike > > DK3WN Hi Mike, DK3WN COMPASS-1 is not an amateur satellite http://www.raumfahrt.fh-aachen.de/ If the COMPASS team is looking for someone (or more) radioamateurs all around the world in assisting with command and telemetry using our amateur ground stations built using our amateur money in my opinion the COMPASS-1 scientific organization should donate contributions to AMSAT in order to buid our communication satellites. Is the COMPASS-1 scientific organization in Germany donating contributions to AMSAT-DL to build P3-E or not ? Tank you for you answere 73" de i8CVS Domenico

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working ao-51 (finding the bird)
by Eric Fort 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

I think I finally heard the ao-51 downlink sending some form of digital data (likely sstv) this evening from DM14GK at 0218 GMT near the very end of the pass. I had much trouble finding the bird and it took most of the pass to find. What can everyone suggest for making it progressively easier? Antenna is an arrow with duplexer feeding a vx-6 ht. Eric PS I'm curious, who's uplink was that?

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java satellite tracker
by Michael Heim 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

That was quick. I was thinking of Satscape. Its good... give it a try. It is available cross platform, and as i recall, it has a script on the site that checks to see if you have a good version of java installed. the URL is http://www.satscape.co.uk/iweb/Satscape/Front_page.html Hope that helps. Michael Heim Chief Engineer, Forever Broadcasting New Castle PA WKST WJST WWGY 814-671-0666 Chapter Chair, SBE-122 ARS KD0AR

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AO-16 update 11 November 2008
by Mark L. Hammond 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

Hello All, An update on AO-16 is long overdue, so please accept my apologies for the tardiness of the post. (Life is good, but busy!) AO-16 has been in continuous voice operations since commanded back ON and configured in voice mail on 15 Sept 2008 at 10:58 UTC. Our predictions regarding sustained activities seem to be right on the mark. Recording your observations about AO-16 at http://oscar.dcarr.org has been, and will continue to be, very helpful to us. Please keep this up, especially over the 4 weeks. Many of you will recall that the "best guess current model" is that a hardware timer in AO-16 is firing when the craft is at a certain temperature, currently around 15 deg C or cooler. When the space craft temperature is over 15 deg C, the hardware timer behaves and continuous operations are sustained. The craft temperature is dependent upon solar illumination. It appears that around 85% illumination is the "magic number." If the orbit puts AO-16 with less than 85% illumination, the watchdog timer restarts the satellite, and the transmitter shuts down. Illumination projections (and subsequent temperature predictions) suggest that we might be able to sustain operations until sometime in the window of November 22 until December 4, 2008. So, if you want to make some AO-16 contacts, you had better get them as soon as possible!!! Long term orbital projections suggest that if the satellite hardware remains fundamentally unchanged (i.e., no deterioration of components on-board), it will be nearly 10 years before AO-16 receives sufficient illumination to warm up the spacecraft enough to again support sustained operations! You can be sure that we'll continue to probe the craft with commands, in hopes that we something will change in a good way that will allow us to use the bird for operations of some sort. It is possible that the transmitter on AO-16 will turn OFF sometime in the next few days/weeks; this requires some commanding to get it running again, which means a pass over the Eastern US coast is required for a change in operational status. We expect that as the spacecraft cools down, transmitter shutdowns will become more frequent. Enjoy this grand old bird while you can! Current operational mode for AO-16: Mode FM Voice Repeater ( Downlink is DSB) Uplink : 145.9200 MHz FM Downlink 437.0260 MHz SSB On behalf of the command team, -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]

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Old AMSAT Satellite Report and ARRL Gateway newsletters online
by Phil Karn 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

Hello all, if you'd like to take a trip back 25 years in time to the AMSAT and packet radio activities of the early and mid 1980s, you're in luck. I am scanning my collections of two old newsletters from that era and placing them online with permission: The AMSAT Satellite Report (ASR) edited by the late Vern Riportella, WA2LQQ, and the ARRL Gateway newsletter on amateur packet radio. With permission I am placing these pdf scans on my website. The following ASR files are up now: http://www.ka9q.net/asr-1981.pdf http://www.ka9q.net/asr-1982.pdf http://www.ka9q.net/asr-1983.pdf http://www.ka9q.net/asr-1984.pdf http://www.ka9q.net/asr-1985.pdf http://www.ka9q.net/asr-1986.pdf http://www.ka9q.net/asr-1987.pdf This covers from the first issue of ASR in 1987 through mid 1987. I will finish the year 1987 and add more years when I find that batch of newsletters. I have scanned two volumes of the ARRL Gateway bulletin so far: http://www.ka9q.net/Gateway-vol2.pdf http://www.ka9q.net/Gateway-vol3.pdf I will add more of these as I find and scan them. Preserve the past! 73, Phil

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Delfi-C3 primary data server not available
by Wouter Jan Ubbels 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

Hi all, some of you may have already noticed that the Delfi-C3 primary data server for submitting RASCAL telemetry is not running. The secondary server will keep on running however, so we will get your telemetry! 73 on behalf of the Delfi-C3 / DO-64 team Wouter Jan Ubbels

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SSTV on AO-51
by Luc Leblanc 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

On my 0553EST pass the SSTV downlink audio was OK i succeed to send pictures but i was alone on the sat. The transmitter is switching on as soon as SSTV signal is received but when the carrier is shutting down i can hear a very weak carrier just above the noise level i will try to recorded it on spectran. It looks like some sort of beacon carrier who is always on but at a very low power or some RF is leaking out??? "-" Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE

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CO-56 silent (?)
by David Giles 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

Hello All, I've been listening to some of the passes of CO-56 (CUTE 1.7+APD) over the last couple of days and have not heard its continuous carrier. Today I listened 10 minutes before and after the predicted pass and heard nothing. Can anyone confirm this? 73 de David VK5DG

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anyone up for the 0347 utc so-50 pass through DM14?
by Eric Fort 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

I'll be looking for contacts on the 0347 GMT pass through DM14GK via SO-50. If there please call AF6EP. I'll be calling cq looking for a first sat contact. Eric AF6EP

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SSTV on AO-51
by Andrew Glasbrenner 10 Nov '08

10 Nov '08

We had a little cross-uplink QRM on the 0030 pass tonight from SO-50 users, but several pictures came through fine from KE7ULS, K7WIN, and KB1PVH. One station had a hot mike at some point, and was trying to send with very low audio levels. It wasn't perfect, but I think enjoyable. If you want to try...PLEASE listen and make sure the uplink is clear before transmitting, and try to give a voice notice before starting if you can. Thanks and 73, Drew, KO4MA

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LOTW and AO-16 QSOs
by Alan P. Biddle 10 Nov '08

10 Nov '08

The LOTW does not handle split mode QSOs such as AO-16, and AO-51 when it is that mode. It does, however, want a mode. I have been using the TX mode, but have had a couple of QSOs "bounce" because of mode mismatch. Not all that important, but is there a recommended way to pick the mode for logging purposes? Alan WA4SCA ----------------------------------- What's the opposite of Diversity? University! Catherine McMillan

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AO-51 schedule modes and activities
by Eric Fort 10 Nov '08

10 Nov '08

Will there be any opportunity for DM14GK to work AO-51 as a 2M/70cm FM voice repeater prior to 17NOV with the other modes and sstv occurring between now and then? The schedule would indicate this would be the first opportunity. Eric AF6EP

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SSTV on 51...Part 2
by John Marranca, Jr 10 Nov '08

10 Nov '08

OK Drew. Thanks for the input. Can't wait to try it tonight! John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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Re: AO-51 Programming
by Clint Bradford 10 Nov '08

10 Nov '08

> I have a vx-6 I'd like to set up to work ao-51. what frequency > pairs should > go into the memories? Eric - use my chart in my "How to Work Ham Sats with your HT" tutorial... http://www.clintbradford.com Programming chart for SO-50 is there, too... Clint, K6LCS

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Re: SSTV on AO-51
by Andrew Glasbrenner 10 Nov '08

10 Nov '08

That's the intention, I'll clarify on the webpage. If there is no other activity, more is OK. I just want everyone to have a chance if it gets as busy as I think it might. 73, Drew > Drew... > Is thyat one image per station per pass? >

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Office Closed
by Martha 10 Nov '08

10 Nov '08

The AMSAT Office will be closed tomorrow, November 11th in observance of Veterans' Day -- 73- Martha

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SSTV on AO-51
by John Marranca, Jr 10 Nov '08

10 Nov '08

Good morning everyone! For this month, AO-51 will be allowing SSTV operation. The AO-51 page says Robot 36 mode only, but might we use a mode that's even shorter, such as one of the Black and White modes, as well??? John KB2HSH -- _______________________________ John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006

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Circular Polarized Antennas For Sale
by Don Roland 10 Nov '08

10 Nov '08

I have for sale on Ebay the following two items: KLM 2M-22C Satellite Circular Polarized 2 Meter Antenna Item Id: 150308354011 KLM 435-40CX Satellite Circular Polarized 440 MHz Antenna Item Id: 150308358654 Just put the item ID number into the Ebay search box to get the details. Both auctions end this coming Wednesday. Thanks Don -VE1AOE-

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ao-51 radio programming
by Eric Fort 10 Nov '08

10 Nov '08

Thanks to all who responded so far. These are the frequencies as I understand them: 145.92 435.310 not needed for low passes 145.92 435.305 145.92 435.300 145.92 435.295 145.92 435.290 not needed for low passes qrp repeater 145.88 435.160 145.88 435.155 145.88 435.150 145.88 435.145 145.88 435.140 Does ao-51 need a tone? also qrp. is that on the satellite end or the ground station end? (to use the qrp mode do I need flea power and a wet string or an LNA cooled by liquid helium and a 305M dish? - ok I'm being facicous but you get the idea...) Eric af6ep Eric af6ep On Sun, Nov 9, 2008 at 2:48 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner < glasbrenner(a)mindspring.com> wrote: > You are likely to get some varying answers, but 145.92 paired with 435.310, > .305, .300, .295, and .290 for the normal repeater, and 145.88 with 435.160, > .155, .150, .145, .140 for the qrp repeater when active. Some folks like to > put in the uplink +/- 5khz Doppler shift too, but it's really fine either > way. > > 73, Drew KO4MA > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Eric Fort" <eric.fort(a)gmail.com> > To: "AMSAT-BB" <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > Sent: Sunday, November 09, 2008 5:40 PM > Subject: [amsat-bb] ao-51 radio programming > > > I have a vx-6 I'd like to set up to work ao-51. what frequency pairs >> should >> go into the memories? >> >> Eric >> _______________________________________________ >> Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> > >

4 3

difference between LH and RH Circular Polarization
by Jim Danehy 09 Nov '08

09 Nov '08

from experience I can tell you that the difference can be minor to major. On two meters I have the ability to switch polarity from LH to RH circular polarization. I have heard differences from ZERO to ~ -30db . . . . . . I am not currently set up on 440 mhz to switch but should be soon. As an example : AO 7 will switch polarity on you depending on where it is . . . Western passes for me indicate that receiving on RH is better but normally LH is used on AO 7. DO64 is a strange ( interesting ) bird as it changes and changes back as it goes from one end of the horizon to the other. I have never made a QSO on DO64 because I have only listened to it when it has been in the beacon mode . . . again DO 64 is 2 meters and I am only receiving where I only have the ability to switch senses. The difference between all vertical and all horizontal is 3 db difference. So if you are using a vertical antenna and the station you are copying is using a horizontal you will be 3 db down . . . . circular polarization is used to mitigate the fading that you will get with using straight vertical or straight horizontal BUT the kicker is that if you are on the wrong SENSE (that is the terminology to differentiate) then the down side is up to - 30 db down . . . . so with circular polarization the downside can be a lot bigger but nil fading . . . . I hope this helps Jim W9VNE

1 0

ao-51 radio programming
by Eric Fort 09 Nov '08

09 Nov '08

I have a vx-6 I'd like to set up to work ao-51. what frequency pairs should go into the memories? Eric

2 1

LH or RH in unswitched?
by Michael J. Wolthuis 09 Nov '08

09 Nov '08

I am building my first set of crossed yagis for sat work. I have the option when connecting to setup the "unswitched (without DC applied)" to either Left Hand or Right Hand Circular Polarization. Which one do I want the unswitched set to? Is there any explination out there somewhere of how you know what to set it as and when to change it as a sat flies by? Thanks for the help BB, Mike kb8zgl

2 1

Stacked loops?
by Jim Leder 09 Nov '08

09 Nov '08

This may be a dumb question, but has anyone had any experience or luck using stacked 432 and 144 loops? Seems they offer a little gain and a nice omni directional pattern. If they are high enough off the ground, some of the lesser lobes would point near straight up. I have used a 0 gain dual band loop (E-factor) with some success on the closer in passes of VO52, FO29 and AO7, but it has been not very effective with AO51. Of course, I know nothing would compare with a high gain, parasitic array, but not all of us have the means nor the location to do that. Stacked loops seem like a good idea, but I've never seen anyone mention it. Thanks .... Jim Bob Buckeye AKA **** Jim Leder**** K8CXM since 1961 IBM retiree since 1999 There are 10 types of people in this world -- those who understand binary and those who don't.

2 1

LH or RH circular polarization
by Jim Danehy 09 Nov '08

09 Nov '08

Good question. Are you using M Square ? They come with instructions which have you connect the yagis for RH circular polarization. The satellites vary as to the "sense" (RH or LH) circular polarization. It depends on which satellite you are using. That is the broad answer. If you would want to email off line I would be willing to give you the benefit of my struggle with the issue. I am no expert on this issue but I have worked through it with help from some on this BB. There really is no place for you to go and research which bird is using what. There are some places which cover a few. The "sense" (RH or LH) is not a static condition but a dynamic (often changing). Jim W9VNE EM 79 tb

1 0

Scouts and AA4RC
by Andrew Glasbrenner 09 Nov '08

09 Nov '08

If you happen to hear Robin, AA4RC on the air this weekend, please give him a call or allow him some room on the FM satellites. He is camped out at Talladega Speedway with 10,000 Scouts and has been on the air showing off ham radio and amateur satellites. Sounds like a good time! 73, Drew KO4MA

6 5

AJAX
by Bob McGwier 09 Nov '08

09 Nov '08

I am looking for anything remotely resembling expert advice on AJAX. I am looking for recommendations on books, development tools, etc. Please respond directly to me. I am doing an open source project and I want to do a lot of the work using AJAX. Such as http://www.n2yo.com AWESOME. 73's Bob N4HY ARRL SDR Working Group Chair Member: ARRL, AMSAT, AMSAT-DL, TAPR, Packrats, NJQRP, QRP ARCI, QCWA, FRC. " Don't despair, not even over the fact that you don't despair. ", Kafka

2 1

CJ7EWK from Vancouver (CN89), so far...
by Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) 09 Nov '08

09 Nov '08

Hello from Vancouver! I am enjoying this quick vacation to Canada. I made my trip to grid CO80 - the ski resort at Whistler, north of Vancouver - on Friday. Due to constant rain and some snow, I did not attempt to work the radio from up there. I was able to do some operating on Saturday from the Vancouver area, and hope for a little more tomorrow (Sunday). For Saturday, I parked near an elementary school in the suburb of Burnaby, east of downtown Vancouver. It was on a high spot in this city built on hills, and a good spot for satellite operating. On AO-16, I used one of my FT-817NDs (I did not bring both of them) with a Maldol AH-510R telescoping whip. To avoid stressing the BNC connector on the radio, I put a short length of coax on the radio with an adapter so I could hold the antenna away from the radio. I used the strap on the radio's carrying case to put the radio around my neck, and used the mic with my other hand. I was able to do a good job with the antenna in this unusual configuration. It was a challenge to break through the eastern wall of stations on the first AO-16 pass, but was able to work 7 stations on the 2237 UTC pass and one more QSO on the later pass at 0016 UTC. Later in the evening on AO-51, I used the same AH-510R whip directly on my IC-T7H HT. For the first pass I tried at 0150 UTC, I worked 8 stations. Thanks to Angelo N5UXT, for trying to cut a hole in the early part of the pass so I could get in with my HT/whip station. I knew I would be at a disadvantage in leaving my Yagi and log periodic antennas at home, but it helped to keep my checked bag a little lighter - and less for the airport security to get curious about. I worked 3 more stations on the western pass at 0330 UTC. I may be able to get on AO-16 Sunday afternoon. There is a slight possibility I might get on VO-52 in the late morning. It may be on a western pass only. I now have a small "netbook" laptop, which has been very useful on this trip. I can run a tracking program - for this experiment, VO-52 - and follow the program's display to set my transmit frequency up to the satellite if I try a pass. I do not have both of my FT-817NDs with me, and I have only had this laptop since last Tuesday - not enough time for me to get the CAT cable working between this laptop and the radio. I will start my experimenting with this laptop to control both of my 817s, which would help me out a lot. :-) For anyone who works CJ7EWK this weekend, I will be happy to QSL our contact(s). Please e-mail me the QSO information, and I will send you my CJ7EWK QSL after I return to Arizona if you are in the log. 73! Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK (CJ7EWK on the satellites this weekend) http://www.wd9ewk.net/

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ANS-314 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by JoAnne Maenpaa 09 Nov '08

09 Nov '08

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-314 ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor(a)amsat.org In this edition: * AMSAT President's Message * Second European CubeSat Workshop * Satellite Shorts From All Over * ARISS Status Report for the Week of November 3, 2008 SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-314.01 AMSAT President's Message AMSAT News Service Bulletin 314.01 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. November 9, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-314.01 I just arrived home on Monday night, Nov 3rd from my trip to the Southeast to attend the the AMSAT Board of Directors Meeting and the 26th Space Symposium along with some personal travel. As you probably know by now, AMSAT has undergone a change in leadership as a result of Rick Hambly's decision not to serve another one-year term as President. At the meeting in Atlanta, the Board voted to appoint me as President. I am honored that the Board has placed their trust in my leadership and I look forward to working with the Board, the Senior Team, and our membership as we move forward into 2009. First, many thanks to Robin Cutshaw, AA4RC and his team of volunteers for putting together and hosting an excellent AMSAT Symposium in Atlanta. Attendance was lower this year than in past years, probably due to the impacts of the slowing economy, relatively high transportation costs, and lack of news concerning Eagle. Those that did attend the Symposium, however, benefited from an excel- lent weekend of presentations, discussions, interaction with fellow AMSAT members, and an opportunity to meet with the AMSAT leadership. The efforts of Robin's team, coupled with the contributions of Gould Smith, WA4SXM and Martha Saragovitz, resulted in a Symposium that ran very smoothly, with attendees enjoying the presentations, a Friday night President's Club social that was open to all Symposium attendees, the Saturday night banquet, and the Field Ops Breakfast on Sunday Morning. Dan Schultz, N8FGV was a masterful banquet speaker who through excel- lent slides and dry wit explained the upcoming Hubble Repair Mission. Dan also was our editor for the "Proceedings of of the 26th Space Symposium" which is an excellent compilation of papers, most of which were presented at the Symposium. (I encourage you to order a copy of the Proceedings if you weren't able to attend.) In addition, for the first time that I can recall, there were TWO major prizes given away at the Dinner (Icom IC-910H and a Kenwood TS-2000), both of which were won by women who attended the banquet. Judy Perkins, KE7ERI of Lilburn, GA won the IC-910 and Flo Bower of Pinson, AL won the TS-2000 (she is working on earning her ham license). Many thanks to both Icom and Kenwood for their support of AMSAT. The Symposium closed on Sunday following an excellent two hour "Intro- duction to Digital Signal Processing" workshop conducted by Phil Harman, VK6APH that was well attended. Overall, AMSAT enjoyed an excellent weekend in Atlanta. During the Board meeting on Thursday, Oct 23rd and the Annual Meeting on Saturday morning, Oct 25, we took time to thank Rick Hambly, W2GPS for his four years of faithful and extensive service to AMSAT as President. Rick tackled many difficult issues and sought to move AMSAT forward in a number of areas. These included dealing with changes in the regulatory environment (Orbital Debris), establishing a relationship with University of Maryland-Eastern Shore that resulted in relocation of the AMSAT Integration Lab to Pocomoke, MD, working on the difficult issue of ITAR (International Traffic of Arms Regulations), revamping the AMSAT senior leadership team organizational structure, initial discussions with Intelsat on a possible 'rideshare' opportunity, and 'filling in' as our webmaster when we lost the volunteer who handled that function. Much of what Rick did was 'behind the scenes' activities that took many hours, required dedicated followup, and received little fanfare. Many thanks to Rick for his significant efforts to make AMSAT better. During the past four years, no one dedicated such a significant portion of their life to AMSAT as Rick. At the Annual Meeting on Oct 25, I gave a presentation that briefly reviewed where things stood within AMSAT, discussed some of organizational issues that effect our ability to get projects completed, and mentioned some of the 'outside factors' that have impacted AMSAT. I also outlined some goals for 2009. You can download the presentation (in PDF format) off the AMSAT website. There is a link on the main page. While the 'bullet points' provide key comments, the presentation doesn't have the 'talking points' that I made during each slide, so please be aware of this limitation when reviewing the material. We made the Annual Meeting available via EchoLink, and we did have members listening 'live' and submitting questions during the meeting. Thank you to those individuals who participated in the Annual Meeting. In upcoming 'Apogee View' columns of the AMSAT Journal, I will discuss some of the challenges facing AMSAT and what is happening in a number of areas. Some of these issues were discussed at the Annual Meeting. Please don't forget that we need volunteers in a number of technical and non-technical areas. The July/August issue of the AMSAT JOURNAL had a brief 'We Want YOU' ad that highlighted some of the areas where AMSAT needs assistance. Please review that list and if you're interested in helping AMSAT, contact Gould Smith, WA4SXM as noted in the ad. Finally, please don't hesitate to contact me directly if you have suggestions, comments, or concerns that you would like to share. I will make every effort to respond to e-mails that I receive, but please keep in mind that I travel extensively which may limit my ability to respond quickly. Please know that I read every e-mail that I receive from AMSAT members and that I appreciate every person's willingness and time spent to share their thoughts and suggestions. 73, Barry Baines, WD4ASW AMSAT President [ANS thanks Barry, WD4ASW for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-314.02 Second European CubeSat Workshop AMSAT News Service Bulletin 314.02 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. November 9, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-314.02 Following on from the successful "Vega Maiden Flight CubeSat Workshop" held at ESA/ESTEC in January 2008, which was the first CubeSat workshop to be held at European-level, the ESA Education Office is pleased to announce the Second European CubeSat Workshop one year later as planned. This Second European CubeSat Workshop will take place in ESA/ ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands on 20-22 January 2009. Since the first workshop, the ESA Education Office in the Directorate of Legal Affairs and External Relations in con- junction with the Directorate of Launchers has selected nine CubeSats (plus two backups) from European universities for launch on the maiden flight of the Vega launcher, now sched- uled for November 2009. The nine CubeSats will be deployed from three different deployment systems mounted on the support structure of the main payload, LARES (LAser RElativity Satellite), into an orbit of 350 km by 1450 km at an inclination of 71 degrees. The launch opportunity is offered by ESA to the selected CubeSats free of charge, and recognises the growing importance of the CubeSat as a powerful hands-on space education tool. It is intended as a first step to boost student hands-on development of CubeSats in Europe, thus providing a suitable and qualified space workforce for the future in complement with other education project activities. The ESA Education Office solicits abstracts to be submitted for oral or poster presentation from both European and non-European partici- pants. The amateur radio based CubeSat Ground Segment and Operations (GENSO network) along with new ground station technologies and oper- ational methods/techniques/software are planned for discussion. [ANS thanks ESA and SpaceDaily.com for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-314.03 Satellite Shorts From All Over AMSAT News Service Bulletin 314.03 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. November 9, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-314.03 + Congratulations to Joe, K3SZH for reaching 7000 contacts as recorded in the informal AO-7 log. Joe's presence and patience has helped countless hams in learning the personality of this unique satellite. See http://www.planetemily.com/ao7/ao7log.php to review the AO-7 log pages. + Kudos, a hearty handshake, and a pat on the back are in order to Robin, AA4RC who got on the air this weekend to demonstrate amateur radio and amateur satellites to 10,000 Scouts camped out at the Talladega Speedway. Robin also lead the team hosting the 2008 AMSAT Space Symposium in Atlanta. + Fernando, EC1AME has put 3 videos of Monday´s school contact in Spain at: http://www.ea1uro.com/isstation.html. + The 35th Eastern VHF/UHF Conference is scheduled for April 17-19, 2009 in Enfield, CT. Additional information and call for papers will be available soon. + Mineo, JE9PEL reports that the most recent photos received from the Cute-1.7+APDII camera (CO-65) can be viewed on-line at: http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/cut17ap4.htm http://lss.mes.titech.ac.jp/ssp/cute1.7/blog/1_25_rev2%20_Caption.jpg + UniverseToday.com announces Space Lifestyle Magazine. Its a free, digital magazine, with a full color layout just like a print maga- zine, but its all online. SLM has feature articles about all as- pects of space - NewSpace, NASA, military, science and astronomy - but mostly it's about the people that make the space sector tick. See: http://www.newforks.net/spacelifestyle.html. The subscription is free but they do ask for e-mail, home address, phone number in the registration process. (source UniverseToday.com) [ANS thanks everyone for the above information] /EX SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-314.04 ARISS Status Report for the Week of November 3, 2008 AMSAT News Service Bulletin 314.04 >From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. November 9, 2008 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-314.04 1. School Contacts An ARISS contact was held with St. Thomas' Primary School in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on Tuesday, November 4. The school has its own radio club and has been using packet radio prior to the contact. Topics of space, science and technology have been taught and students, ages 4-12, have participated in related activities such as building models of space stations, using a telescope to explore the night sky, building crystal radios, producing a video and creating an ARISS Web site for the school. An ARISS contact was held with Dibrugarh University in Assam, India on Friday, November 7 via telebridge station W6SRJ in California. The university considers this event a great achievement with planned media coverage. Anderson's Creek Primary School in Warrandyte, Victoria, Australia has been scheduled for an ARISS contact on Monday, November 10. Telebridge station VK5ZAI will assist with the contact. Students have researched the International Space Station and its experiments and determined the long term impact of these studies. They have studied the history of space exploration and the reasons why humans seek to broaden their horizons. The school has hosted evening sessions to introduce stu- dents to astronomy. The Newcomers Club in Saitama, Japan has been scheduled for an ARISS contact on Saturday, November 15 at 10:22 UTC. Community involvement and media coverage is expected. 2. Italian Students Question Astronaut via Radio On Tuesday, October 28, students attending Scuola Media Statale Donato Forlani in Conversano, Italy participated in an ARISS contact with Mike Fincke, KE5AIT. To prepare for the event, the students made satellite contacts and received SSTV pictures, sent from the ISS by Richard Garr- iott W5KWQ. On the day of the contact, twelve students were able to pose one question each to Fincke as an audience of more than 500 stu- dents, parents, teachers and visitors watched. Fincke spoke to the students in Italian at the beginning and end of the contact. Two tele- vision stations (CANALE 7, TeleNorba) and three newspapers (L'Informa- tore, Il Levante, Il Fax) covered the event. 3. School Contact in Rome, Successful Students attending Santa Teresa del Bambin Gesù in Rome, Italy exper- ienced an ARISS contact on Thursday, October 30. Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, answered twelve questions. More than 150 students, parents, teachers and guests were present. Also present were ESA representative Mr. Dieter Isakeit, Head of the ESA/ESRIN Corporate Communication Office (LEX-COR) and Mr. Daniele Giannini, President 18° District of City Hall Rome. Mr. Isakeit translated the astronaut's answers, provided infor- mation and offered souvenirs. Four television stations (Regional RAI 3, SAT2000, Telelazio, Rete Blu) and RADIO RAI 1 covered the event. The audio was fed into the EchoLink AMSAT and JK1ZRW servers and received 6 connections from stations in the U.S., U.K. and Belgium. It was also fed into D-Star net and was repeated to 40 nodes in Europe, 70 nodes in USA and 20 in the rest of the world. 4. Budbrooke School Contact Update Students attending Budbrooke Primary School in Warwick, England spoke with Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, during an ARISS contact on Friday, October 17. The British Amateur Television Club posted video of the event. Go to: http://www.batc.tv/channel.php?ch=1 and select "Richard Garriott HD" or "Richard Garriott SD." 5. ARISS Simulated Contacts Scheduled Chris Hadfield, KC5RNJ/VA3OOG, and Cady Coleman, KC5ZTH, have been scheduled for ARISS simulated contacts on Thursday, November 6 at approximately 14:30 UTC. The astronauts will speak to two groups of students at a Canadian school for these events. These training ses- sions are terrestrial-based amateur radio contacts using ARISS- equivalent equipment. Hadfield and Coleman are currently assigned as back-up Expedition 19 crew members. 6. Training Sessions Successful ESA astronaut Frank De Winne, ON1DWN, participated in a successful simulated ARISS contact with students at Technopolis in Mechelen, Belgium on Monday, October 27. He answered twenty-two questions posed to him by the students. ESA astronaut Andre Kuipers took part in an ARISS review session on Friday, October 31. He is currently back-up for Frank De Winne. 7. Amateur Radio Newsline Reports on Garriott's Mission On Friday, October 24, the Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1628 posted a story on Richard Garriott's participation in ARISS activities during his ISS mission. The article, "Ham Radio in Space: Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, Mission a Success for Ham Radio," covered Garriott's involvement in the Scout Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), SSTV, and his contact with Owen Garriott, W5LFL. 8. NASA HQ Cites Stories on Garriott NASA Headquarters News Service picked up on reports of Richard Garr- iott's mission, citing articles from CTV (Canada) and the Bennington Banner (Vermont). Both stories are about amateur radio operators who made radio contacts with Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, while onboard the ISS. To view the articles, go to: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081025/space_radio_081 025/20081026?hub=Canada http://www.benningtonbanner.com/ci_10813257 9. AMSAT Symposium held The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) held its Annual Meeting and Space Symposium on October 24-26 in Atlanta, Georgia. ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) Chairman Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, attended and gave a talk on the ARISS program. ARISS Hardware Manager Lou McFadin, W5DID, presented an update on SuitSat-2. The presentations have been posted to the AMSAT Web site. See: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/Presentations/AMSAT%20Symposiums/2008%20Sym posium/ 10. ARRL ARISS Program Manager Interviewed The ARRL (American Radio Relay League) ARISS (Amateur Radio on the Inter- national Space Station) Program Manager Rosalie White, K1STO, was inter- viewed on QSO, a ham radio interview and talk show. White spoke about Richard Garriott's flight, the ARRL, ARISS and AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satel- lite Corporation). The interview took place on Friday, October 24 and ran three times over the weekend on the Nashville station and again on a Miami station. [ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. And with that remember, that no matter how much you push the envelope, it is still stationery. 73, This week's ANS Editor, JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM K9JKM at amsat dot org

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Re: Scouts and AA4RC
by Sebastian 08 Nov '08

08 Nov '08

What point exactly are you attempting to make with that statement? On Nov 8, 2008, at 12:20 PM, William Rochira wrote: > Looser > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Sebastian <w4as(a)bellsouth.net> > Sent: Saturday, November 08, 2008 3:34 PM > To: AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Scouts and AA4RC > > He is also on the SSB birds, as I just worked him on FO-29. > > Do you have any idea what his grid square might be? I asked him but > he wasn't sure. > > 73 de W4AS > Sebastian > > On Nov 8, 2008, at 10:19 AM, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote: > >> If you happen to hear Robin, AA4RC on the air this weekend, please >> give him >> a call or allow him some room on the FM satellites. He is camped out >> at >> Talladega Speedway with 10,000 Scouts and has been on the air >> showing off >> ham radio and amateur satellites. Sounds like a good time! >> >> 73, Drew KO4MA > >

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congratulations XE2AT
by Rafael Valdez G. 08 Nov '08

08 Nov '08

Congratulations to Al XE2AT for his 875 grids confirmed via Satelites... 73's and Dx's... Rafael Valdez Jr. XE2RV @ DL55 10-10 52716 VUCC Sat #164 http://sat-xe.blogspot.com EX-XE2PWF P Before printing, please think about your responsibility and commitment with the ENVIRONMENT. Antes de Imprimir, piensa entu responsabilidad y compromiso con el MEDIO AMBIENTE

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Nova
by Tim Tapio 08 Nov '08

08 Nov '08

Hello all! Does Nova install under Vista? I seem to be having issues. Thanks and 73 de Tim, K4SHF

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"NSF Taps Tiny CubeSats for Big Space Science "
by Timothy J. Salo 08 Nov '08

08 Nov '08

Space.com had an interesting article on the use of CubeSats to monitor space weather. http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/080827-nsf-cubsats-science.html While reading this article, it may be useful to think about how these activities might be leveraged into additional support for amateur communications payloads. For example: o Support space weather research. Could an amateur communications satellite be subsidized if it carried space weather instruments? Could a microsat focused on space weather research carry an amateur communications payload (particularly, if the amateur communications package carried space weather telemetry)? Could a network of amateur ground stations collect space weather telemetry? o Support space research (beyond space weather). There is actually a long history of using research payloads to support amateur satellites. Yet, this method of funding amateur satellite activities seems to often fall off the short list of ways to subsidize amateur communications satellites. o Develop the next generation of space scientists and engineers. There are persistent concerns that we aren't attracting enough students to the space sciences. By all appearances, this concern has been leveraged by the ARISS and related projects into substantial government support for amateur radio in space. Why can't we make more use of this scheme? o Supporting on-orbit experiments. Provide space and telemetry to on-orbit experiments provided by others. o Provide technical assistance to microsat developers. This might both provide a source of support and might help put more amateur communications payloads on small satellites. Most, if not all, of these approaches _have_ been used in the past to subsidize amateur communications satellites. But, the most widely quoted list of potential sources of funds seems to have devolved into: emergency communications and education. What about all of the other other proven methods of supporting amateur satellites? Perhaps, part of the problem is AMSAT's apparent nearly exclusive focus on amateur satellite users. Look at AMSAT's public image: its Web pages. Should there be more content on AMSAT's Web pages that might attract potential collaborators who have money? Potential developers? People with interests in amateur satellites and amateur satellite communications beyond using HEO voice transponders? What does AMSAT want to be when it grows up? Who is its target audience? Primarily amateur satellite users? Or, does it want to attract a broader audience? -tjs

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Re: last pass of AO-51
by Dave Aitch 08 Nov '08

08 Nov '08

I had a week in Bermuda recently. I only operated on AO-51 with a HT and an Arrow. It was the week with both channels on V/U, one channel was QRP. (I missed all the SSTV from the ISS.) I did work Dave ZLB and several others, but activity is just as rife, but with perhaps just a little bit more order. I am happy to say that my (limited) satellite activity experience through AO-51 from Bermuda to the U.S. was very much better than from the U.K. I did note also, that most USA ops did not give signal reports and only the first 4 digits of their IARU locator. Fine by me, if two ops have repeated call signs and know who is talking to who, then fair enough. It could be an idea to adopt that this side of the pond too. Just note the received satellite signal at the time of the QSO. ( Does it matter that much?) (NOTE U.S. Ops: Please slow down when saying your 4 digit locator. It will save you being asked to say it again) The problem over this side is lack of attention. Its been said many times before. If you cant hear the satellite, don't call through it, sort your receiver out. Agreed that SSB satellites are more orderly, but that depends on your downlink frequency. Listen across the downlink of 52 and 29 (even FO-20 when it was alive) it can be just as noisy with spurious transmissions from those searching for themselves on the downlink. For those on this list older & wiser than I, and have been working satellites since year dot, you have seen and heard it all before, I'm sure. I felt the need to make comment, even though this, and my previous comment, will probably not be read by those at fault. David. G1OCN. AMSAT UK 5766

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Nighttime Viewing
by Clint Bradford 08 Nov '08

08 Nov '08

> > You can see the ISS visually in a clear and dark sky... Really? See its running lights, perhaps? Bathroom light left ON? Or are we seeing the sun reflecting off of the object? Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666

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GO-32
by James Denneny 08 Nov '08

08 Nov '08

Sent email to the GO-32 tech team advising that DIR can not be downloaded. We'll see what happens. Jim K7EG

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Re: last pass of AO-51
by w7lrd＠comcast.net 08 Nov '08

08 Nov '08

In fact on AO-7 one will find themselves in a three or four way QSO. You can actually have a conversation! 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle -- "if this were easy, everyone would be doing it" -------------- Original message -------------- From: Dave Guimont <dguimon1(a)san.rr.com> > > >The last was pass to the east of the UK was an > >absolute disgrace to the hobby of amateur radio > >and satellite user/operators. > > > >I would have been ashamed if I had been giving a > >satellite demonstration to non or potential radio > >amateurs, or potential satellite users, to let them > >listen to the cacophony of ignorant operators who > >were on that last pass. > > Yes, Dave we have the same coterie of rude operators in thke US as well... > > But, of course, the mode selected for AO51 (ssb 2-user voice), is the > big contributing factor... > > You will not find that on AO-7, FO-29 or VO52.... > > ...............BANDWIDTH... > > > > 73, Dave, WB6LLO > dguimon1(a)san.rr.com > > Disagree: I learn.... > > Pulling for P3E... > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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last pass of AO-51
by Dave Aitch 08 Nov '08

08 Nov '08

The last was pass to the east of the UK was an absolute disgrace to the hobby of amateur radio and satellite user/operators. I would have been ashamed if I had been giving a satellite demonstration to non or potential radio amateurs, or potential satellite users, to let them listen to the cacophony of ignorant operators who were on that last pass. A shame that perhaps, most of those users were not AMSAT members or even subscribe to this list. David. G1OCN. AMSAT UK 5766

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AO 51 dimensions
by Jim Danehy 08 Nov '08

08 Nov '08

AO 51 is approximately 9 inches wide by 9 inches long and 9 inches deep. About a half cubic foot in volume. Something like a 12 pack of beer . . . . The ISS by contrast is 10,000,000 cubic feet or 20 million times bigger than AO51. . . . ISS is only up 200 miles or 1,000,000 feet. I believe that AO51 is up 400 miles which would be 2,000,000 + feet. I can stand to be corrected on the AO51 height. You can see the ISS visually in a clear and dark sky. It is big enough and I encourage you to look for it. It is distinguished from other objects by its speed across the sky. Maybe you have seen it already. Jim W9VNE

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